Bullguard: security check your smart home, or your smart self

Internet security vendor Bullguard has introduced the Bullguard IoT Scanner – a web-based application for consumers that reveals connected devices that could be vulnerable to hackers.

According to Bulllguard, its IoT Scanner allows anyone to quickly scan to see if their smart devices or network are accessible to hackers. If a user’s smart device is flagged as being vulnerable, details about the specific security issues are provided.

The scanner uses data from Shodan.io, the first search engine for Internet connected devices, to scan for vulnerable smart devices and “presents results in a straightforward way that anyone can understand,” Bullguard says.

It first uses shodan.io to check if any devices at the user’s public IP address are visible on the Internet and then performs a scan of devices to check of vulnerabilities. However users are warned that this process might result in previously invisible vulnerabilities being indexed by shodan.io.

Devices that the scanner will recognise and report on include security cameras, baby monitors, smart TVs and wearables. If accessible devices are found, they are flagged along with details of potential vulnerabilities.

BullGuard has also created a free, downloadable IoT guide for consumers that contains further information on Internet of Things security along with help and advice on how to ensure connected devices are not visible to hackers.